Derek got them each a glass of champagne and guided her through the room, his hand on her lower back, introducing her to other staff, all of whom seemed to know who she was. Of course, they did.
Javier walked up to her, looking fabulous in black and white, Laura Nilsson, whom Jenna had seen on the TV news a thousand times, beside him. She was even prettier in person, with light blond hair, a slender figure, and lovely face.
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Jenna. Javi has told me how incredibly brave you were. I’m so glad you’re home safe now.”
Jenna hadn’t been brave—not compared to Laura, but she didn’t say that. “Thank you. Javier, Derek, Malik, and everyone there in Mazar-e-Sharif were the brave ones.”
“I’ve got to disagree,” Javier said.
Derek gave Jenna’s hands a squeeze, his gaze warm. “They’re combat veterans, every one of them trained for that kind of work. You climbed out of a Land Cruiser under fire to save one of ours. No one here is going to forget that.”
“You must be Jenna.” The most beautiful woman Jenna had ever seen moved through the crowd toward them, her platinum blond hair in a stylish up-do, her perfect body in a beaded dress that hid almost nothing.
“Here comes trouble,” Derek mumbled, smiling.
Javier introduced them. “Jenna, this is Holly Andris, Nick Andris’ much better half. They both work for Cobra.”
Jenna wondered what kind of work Holly did. “Nice to meet you.”
Holly hugged her as if the two of them were old friends. “I’ve been dying to meet you. Thanks for saving Malik’s life.”
“I’m a midwife, so I have some experience—”
Holly’s eyes went wide. “A midwife? That’s right.”
“Yes. I worked at a women’s hospital in Afghanistan.”
Javier explained. “Holly’s pregnant—and a little nervous.”
Jenna could understand that. “Is this your first? If you have questions, I’d be happy to answer them.”
“Oh, you’re a sweetheart!”
Jenna glanced back over her shoulder as Holly led her someplace where they could talk and found him watching her, a soft smile on his lips.
* * *
Corbray and Derekjoined Andris in a corner.
“Congrats, man.” Derek raised his champagne flute. “You’re going to be a father. That’s great.”
That was a mind-blowing thought.
Derek had known Andris almost as long as he’d known Javier. He was one of the first hires Derek and Corbray had made. The man kicked ass—and he’d come as a package deal, bringing Holly with him.
“Thanks. Holly’s pretty nervous about it.”
“I can’t blame her.” If Derek knew that nine months from now he was going to have to shit a watermelon, he’d be pretty nervous, too. “Jenna is talking with her.”
“Your Jenna is something else. I saw the drone footage. I saw what she did for Jones—and for you, too.” Andris turned to Corbray. “I hear he’s home.”
“Safe and sound and damned glad to be alive.”
Derek took hold of one of his lapels. “Hey, Corbray, remind me. Why do we force the staff to dress up like penguins every December?”
It was an old joke between them.
“Because we are a classy operation, bro.”